New Orleans DSA - Weekly Update

Greetings all —

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 4th, from 12-4pm, members of DSA New Orleans will host a Health Fair + Brake Light Clinic. We offer free brake light changes, health resources, hot food, cool beverages, assistance with debt disputes, and talking with folks about Medicare for All. And we are always looking for volunteers! If you're interested in getting involved, it's not too late, fill out this form and come through a little early! This weekend, we'll be in the heart of Central City at Al Davis Park (2600 Lasalle St). Hope to see you there!


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City Council & Short-Term Rental Updates

Yesterday, City Council members offered their first round of text amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance, narrowly passing an increase on density restrictions by a 4-3 vote. The revised density restrictions would allow one short-term rental per block. A significant and fragile gain, to be sure — but we know it's still not enough!

While there were plenty of short-term rental owners and apologists out there in force, the overwhelming support for more restrictions was resounding through your comments, both in person and online. Everyone in the city knows — the future of New Orleans' housing is at stake, and short-term rentals are engines of eviction, displacement, and gentrification. We believe that housing is a human right, and that the working class has a right to live in the city where they work.

While we're still tallying the total number of comments in favor of a total ban, capitalist property-owners, corporate landlords, and their pet politicians are eager to find any reason to roll back the important gains we made yesterday. They will undoubtedly be lobbying for exceptions in yesterday's proposed ordinances. It's our job to keep the pressure on, continuing to put every eviction and every neighbor lost to short-term rentals squarely on the shoulders of our elected leaders. Make them accountable, and make your voice heard. Keep emailing, keep calling, keep showing up. Let them know what we want — no short term rentals in New Orleans.

The next meeting where this issue will be discussed by the council is the Governmental Affairs Committee, March 14th at 10am. The final vote on these ordinances will be on March 23rd. Tell your friends, your family, and your neighbors to keep the pressure on all month long. And keep up with our social media for future actions.


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March Elections Coming Up

As we turn over the calendar in Louisiana to a new month, you guessed it — there's another election coming our way. Our Municipal Action Committee is working on their latest guide for the March 25th election. Don't forget to register to vote if you aren't already — you can update your registration status on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website here. While online registration for this March election passed,  there is another election in April, and a gubernatorial election coming our way in November. Register today!


For more events, be sure to check us out at dsaneworleans.org/events.


Solidarity —

DSA New Orleans Local Council

New to DSA? Check out our chapter's new member resources here. If you've got any questions about how to get involved or the work our chapter is doing, give us a shout at [email protected].

Not yet a member? The most important tool that the working class has is organization. We're strong when we fight together. We have to build a durable, mass political organization to wield the kind of power we need to win real change in our society. If you aren't a dues-paying member of DSA yet, join today!
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